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Texas Football: When will Longhorns live up to preseason expectations?

By Matthew Bartlett

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Tom Herman of the Texas Longhorns watches players warm up before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Tom Herman of the Texas Longhorns watches players warm up before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Texas football is seemingly always on the cusp of being “back”. Will 2018 finally be the year the Longhorns reclaim a semblance of their former glory?

At this point it’s becoming a cruel running joke. Most major media outlets put out a way-too-early top 25 following the conclusion of spring practices. Like clockwork, the Texas Longhorns check in somewhere in the mid 20’s. It doesn’t matter how many wins or losses the Longhorns had in the previous season, everyone rushes to be the first to proclaim, “Texas is back!”

The delayed resurgence was one of the primary reasons for the removal of Charlie Strong. And the furor hasn’t gone down in Austin. Expectations, like always, are through the roof and Tom Herman is going to be expected to deliver in 2018. If he can’t he’s going to start to feel the initial warmth of the same hot seat that sent his predecessor away after a short three year stint with Texas. However, things are set up favorably for a breakthrough season for the Longhorns.

Experienced quarterbacks like Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph and TCU’s Kenny Hill have all departed leaving a void at the forefront of the Big 12 race. Texas returns a both Shane Buechelle and Sam Elinger, two capable passes with meaningful starting experience. The Longhorns should be in good hands regardless of who gets the starting nod.

Next: Preseason Top 25 following spring practices

For what feels like the millionth time, the college football media and fans wait with baited breath. The pieces are coming together for what promises to be a special season in Austin. Is the set up perfect? Of course not. However, the opportunity is right in front of second-year coach Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns. Will they seize it?

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